Ex-lieutenant general slams Trump for breaking
Emergency Meeting in Virginia
Hundreds of U.S. generals and admirals were ordered to Virginia for a
surprise meeting with President Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
Many feared cuts, firings, or worse.
One defense official later called it “more like a press conference than briefing the generals…
could have been an email.”
Hegseth’s Hardline Speech
At Quantico, Hegseth criticized “overweight generals and admirals,”
opposed diversity programs, and said:
“I don’t want my son serving alongside troops who are out of shape or in combat units with females who can’t
meet the same combat arms physical standards as men.”
Security and Strategy Concerns
Critics warned of the risk of gathering top commanders in one place,
calling it “an inexcusable strategic risk” for a message of “little merit.”
Hertling Speaks Out
Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling blasted the event,
saying leaders were “personally embarrassed” and warned:
“I guarantee you that the people in that audience will not execute illegal orders.”
